Oregon Social Sciences Instructional Materials Criteria Committee Andrea Morgan, Education Specialist Oregon Department of Education

Objective Gain understanding of the new Core Standards format Gain understanding of how new standards may impact selection of instructional materials

Core Standards Core standards = big ideas/ lasting understandings/key generalizations Standards = indicators that get students to the big ideas Based on Doug Reeves’ criteria of: Endurance, Leverage, and Readiness for next level of learning

Core Standards New generation of standards that focus on big ideas and key concepts at each grade level Standards that are fewer, more focused, and coherent Standards that allow teachers to see learning progression within and between grade levels Standards that help teachers design more effective lessons, focus instruction, and develop formative assessments

Core Standards Opportunities for Social Sciences: New standards structure may alleviate some of the content debate New structure will renew focus on content areas through professional development around the new core standards

Core Standards Challenges for Social Sciences: Four subject areas, geography, history, economics, civics and government, are required by statute Social Science Analysis & Historical Thinking Multiple perspectives regarding content and level of importance Tendency for teachers to “own” a favorite unit

This Draft of Standards Includes: Core Standards categories beyond the statute to highlight inclusion of content Grade Level Standards for K-8 and High School Assigned Eras – “to include, but not limited to” Recognition of Common State Standards for Literacy

What is still to come? Content and Assessment Panel Review of Standards Draft Outside Review of Standards Draft State Board of Education adoption of standards Support documents with content suggestions Professional development – “Moving Social Sciences Education Forward”

Requirements that impact Oregon Social Sciences instruction Oregon Academic Content Standards Oregon Diploma requirements Essential Skills Common Core State Standards (Literacy in Social Studies) National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP) State legislation (e.g., Irish Famine, Oregon Studies)

Contact Information Andrea Morgan, Education Specialist Oregon Department of Education andrea.morgan@state.or.us 503-947-5772